News Briefs

Alp Supply Co., a direct-to-consumer nicotine pouch supplier co-owned by famous media commentator Tucker Carlson, is in a first-of-its-kind near-instant delivery agreement with Gopuff.

The company is the first nicotine pouch brand to partner with Gopuff to launch a new instant delivery feature via its own website. Alp Supply Co. will use Gopuff's new "Powered by Gopuff" technology to deliver from its website in as fast as 15 minutes leveraging Gopuff’s logistics network, instant fulfillment infrastructure of more than 200 micro-distribution centers across the U.S., and technology.

[READ MORE: Gopuff debuts 'Powered by Gopuff' platform for CPG brands]

Customers will place orders via the "Instant Shop" on the Alppouch.com e-commerce site for fulfillment via Powered by Gopuff technology. 

"Our new partnership with Gopuff is designed to put the customer first and to make Alp accessible to more adult American consumers than ever before," said Alp co-founder Tucker Carlson, "Now you can scratch that itch with the ultimate fix, which is Alp."

Founded in 2013, Gopuff leverages proprietary technology, national infrastructure and a hyper-local logistics network to offer delivery to customers across the U.S. and U.K.

Alp Supply Co. LLC sells, markets, and distributes nicotine pouches throughout the U.S., and is jointly owned by Turning Point Brands and Tucker Carlson Network (TCN).

Despite some media reports, Target is not abandoning self-checkout in its stores.

While the retailer has made a change in its self-checkout policy that limits the amount of items a customer can purchase, the change is not new. In fact, Target announced the new policy over a year ago, in March 2024. 

In a recent post on its website, Target noted that, since March 2024, it has rolled out express self-checkout lanes with limits of 10 items or fewer at most of its nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. At the same time, the company also has opened more traditional checkout lanes, with more than 25,600 nationwide.

With the changes, Target said it has created a faster checkout experience overall, improving total transaction times by nearly 8%. Also, according to the Net Promoter Score (NPS) for checkout — a measure of customer experience — the retailer said it has improved its “already high score” for wait times by five points.

“Our team is always laser-focused on delivering a better experience for guests, and that’s exactly what they get with Express Self-Checkout,” said Adrienne Costanzo, executive VP and chief stores officer, Target.  “Whether guests are grabbing stuff for dinner or running in to pick up a post-soccer tournament treat, we know their time is valuable, and they often need to be on their way quickly. By giving them a few options for checking out — on their own, with a team member or even using Drive Up — we’re making their experience fast, easy and on their terms.”

QVC will spotlight women influencers and celebrities during an upcoming promotional event with TikTok.

On Wednesday, May 14, the live shopping network will kick off what it called the "first-of-its-kind cross-category" TikTok Shop Super Brand Day in collaboration with the social media platform. QVC and TikTok will run a live shopping event hosted in Santa Monica, Calif. The promotion will feature members of QVC’s “Q50” women ambassador group, a collective of inspiring women who show that life only gets better with age, the company said. Newly joining the group are Hoda Kotb, Carla Rockmore and Kathy Hilton. Returning ambassadors include Kathie Lee Gifford, Stacy London, Barbara "Babs" Costello and others.

The event will feature speakers spotlighting inspiring women, immersive on-site experiences, a red-carpet entrance, and appearances by Q50 ambassadors, QVC hosts and partners. (QVC initially launched on the TikTok Shop social commerce platform  in August 2024, and its parent QVC Group launched the first round-the-clock live social shopping experience with TikTok Shop in April 2025.)

While QVC is streaming live on TikTok Shop around the clock, the special livestream from Santa Monica offers an eight-hour experience that will include new product releases and deals only available on QVC’s TikTok Shop storefront across curated collections, including beauty, fashion, home, and kitchen.

[READ MORE: Trump extends TikTok deal deadline to June 19]

"As many modern women turn to social media, like TikTok, for inspiration and connection, we are meeting them where they are with what they need - showing that style, relevance, and transformation is ageless," said Annette Dunleavy, VP of brand marketing at QVC Group and Q50 Ambassador.

Specialty content will be available Wednesday, May 14, starting at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on @QVC on the TikTok app.

A new survey reveals that golf enthusiasts are poised to spend this year.

More than half (55%) of golfers plan to invest in new gear in 2025, with an average budget of $1,121, according to a new survey from liveshopping marketplace Whatnot, conducted by Censuswide. This includes clubs, apparel, training aids, accessories, collectibles and more.

A third (34%) of golfers plan to spend $2,000–$4,999 on travel, green fees and more this year, while one-in-five expect to spend $5,000–$9,999. Millennials are the highest spenders, averaging $4,557 annually.

While physical stores have traditionally been where golfers buy their gear, things are changing. More than four-in-10 (43%) respondents now buy golf gear online, with 59% of Gen Z reporting doing so. More than a third (36%) say they watch product demos or livestreams before buying, while 27% said a livestream has convinced them to make a purchase in the past.

[READ MORE: Longtime PGA Tour Superstore CEO to retire]

Additional golf spending insights include the following:

• 60% of golfers spend at least four hours a week playing during peak season.
• 28% say they spend more time on golf than with their significant other (39% for Gen Z).
• Golf fans spend six-and-a-half hours a week watching live shows on Whatnot – more than they spend watching televised tournaments.

Whatnot’s survey was conducted by Censuswide with a sample of 2,000 U.S. golfers. It was conducted March 25-31, 2025.

Boot Barn Holdings has made it permanent.

The lifestyle retailer of western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories has appointed John Hazen as CEO, effective May 5. Hazen had been serving in the position on an interim basis since November 2024, following the departure of Jim Conroy, who left to become the CEO of Ross Stores.

Hazen joined Boot Barn in 2018 as chief digital officer. Prior to that, he served as senior VP of commerce and subscriptions of Ring from 2017 to 2018, and senior VP of direct to consumer of True Religion from 2014 to 2017, where he oversaw both brick-and-mortar and digital channels.

“After a comprehensive search process, the board unanimously concluded that John is the right leader to drive Boot Barn forward,” said Peter Starrett, executive chairman of Boot Barn. “We believe that his deep industry knowledge, proven track record in digital transformation, and clear vision for the future make him exceptionally qualified for this role. John has already demonstrated strong leadership during his tenure as Interim CEO, and we are confident in his ability to execute our strategic plans and deliver long-term growth."

As of May 5, Boot Barn operates 464 stores in 49 states.

"Having worked closely with our talented team during the last seven years, and more recently as interim CEO, I am more confident than ever in our strategic direction and our ability to deliver exceptional value to our customers and stockholders," Hazen said. "We will remain focused on our four strategic growth initiatives and delivering the selection and shopping experience our customers count on."

An Ohio-based pizza chain is expanding its footprint in Texas.

Donatos Pizza has signed three new franchise deals, two in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area and one in Houston, bringing Donatos Pizza's total franchise groups in Texas to nine, with seven now actively developing in DFW and two developing in Houston. The chain says it aims to open more than 100 locations in Texas over time across key markets including DFW, Houston, Waco, Austin and East Texas.

"With every new agreement, we're strengthening our footprint on these communities throughout Texas while showcasing our commitment to delivering more of what our guests love: more toppings, more flavor and more deliciousness," said Jeff Baldwin, VP of development and franchising at Donatos Pizza. "DFW and Houston are powerhouse markets, and we're excited to welcome motivated franchise partners who are ready to grow with us.”

[READ MORE: Donatos Pizza automating phone voice ordering]

Donatos Pizza currently operates locations in Flower Mound and Frisco. With the pipeline of new stores growing, the brand anticipates several new Texas locations will open their doors beginning in 2025.

"Texas is a huge priority for us," said Kevin King, CEO and president of Donatos Pizza. "We are attracting very capable partners who are ready to build something meaningful with us in the Lone Star State."

Founded in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio, Donatos Pizza operates approximately 176 stores nationwide. Additionally, the chain’s pizza is served in nearly 300 non-traditional locations nationwide, including select Red Robin restaurants.